My Tulum Travel Guide
“Not all who wander are lost, but in Tulum, getting out is finding paradise.”
-Anonymous
Tulum, located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, is a captivating destination that blends natural beauty, rich culture, and laid-back luxury. Once a sleepy fishing village, it has blossomed into one of the most sought-after travel spots in the world – but still retains its charm and serene vibe.
I am beyond excited to share with you my Guide to Tulum. This is an extensive guide of my favorite restaurants, beaches, hotels, and day-trips.
On My PACKING LIST
WHEN to GO
It’s hard to beat a visit to Tulum in the Spring or Autumn months when the weather is warm, but not too warm.
High Season: December to April
Shoulder Season: May, July to August, and November
Low Season: June and September to October
Tulum’s high season lasts from December to April and during this time, throngs of travelers flock to the Riviera Maya in search of sun and fun. Despite the crowds, February to April are the region’s least rainy months, and temperatures top out in the low to mid-80s.
THINGS to KNOW
Currency: Mexican Pesos
Language: Spanish
Common Phrases:
Hello: Hola
Goodbye: Adios
Yes: Si
Good Morning: Buenos dias
Please: Por favor
The check, please: La cuenta, por favor How much does it cost: ¿Cuánto cuesta?
HOW to GET AROUND
Taxis: Taxis are a great option and most accept credit cards. Note, that if you’re paying with a credit card there will always be a 5% fee.
Bike: You’ll get a little exercise by biking your way around town. Some hotels offer complimentary bike rentals to their guests, but there are also a handful of compaies that will deliver wheels directly to your hotel.
WHERE to STAY
LA VALISE TULUM
At this boutique hotel hideaway, rooms are set within A-frame, palapa-style structures that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Guests can take their pick, booking one of 11 beachfront suites with ocean views or one of 11 jungle-facing suites, most with private terraces and outdoor soaking tubs.
CONRAD TULUM RIVIERA MAYA
While most Tulum properties are boutique hotels by nature, this luxury hotel, with its 349 guest rooms, is sprawling. Within the grounds, guests can spend their time at the cenote-inspired spa or lounging in one of five swimming pools.
XELA TULUM
This former villa – once owned by a Belgian designer and a British artist – is now one of Tulum’s newest beachfront hotels thanks to a refresh from Mexican architect Carlos Larios. The intimate retreat offers only 12 rooms, a tranquil respite with a natural design aesthetic of sand and terra-cotta tones.
KIMPTON ALUNA TULUM
Enjoy an oasis of beauty and tranquility away from the party and chaos between the jungle and the sea. The Kimpton Aluna Tulum has an exclusive beach club, a few minutes bike ride from down town, two pools, and a spa.
WHERE to EAT
TAQUERIA HONORIO
Tacos
This taqueria in Tulum must have been our favorite taco restaurant in Tulum and we found it through the General Manager of the hotel we were staying at. Tacos were $2 USD a piece and the restaurant was packed!
LIEF TULUM
Vegetarian
A self-sustainable farm to vegan van concept that supports the growth and spread of Lifes and the local ecologic, economic, and medical health. Their iced coffee and matcha were some of my favorite in the city!
MATCHA MAMA
Coffee
An adorable little beach shack with swings for chairs and all of the acai, kombucha, juice, and of course matcha!
WILD
Dinner
Nestled in the jungle of Tulum, WILD pays tribute to the diverse landscape of the Mexican Caribbean. A fusion of traditional mayan craftsmanship with rustic elements alongside modern elegant and abstract influences.
THINGS to DO & SEE
ENJOY THE BEACH
Tulum is consistently ranked among the top beaches in Mexico, thanks to its white sand, palm tree-lined coast, and pastel, calm waters. Dedicate your first day in Tulum to getting acclimated and relaxing on the sand with a cocktail or cerveza in hand.
VISIT A CENOTE
There a lot of pretty Centores near Tulum and I encourage you to visit at least one or two while you’re here! Dos Ojas, Zacil-Ha, and Calavera are all great with different features – but there’s so many more to explore!
EXPLORE TULUM TOWN
Laid-back, and much more affordable than the beach town, this is a great place to spend some time walking (or biking), shopping, and grabbing a bite or a cocktail at a much more reasonable price than you’ll find near the water.
MORNING YOGA
Tulum is a haven for yogis, and it seems like the scene has only continued to grow and expand in recent years. You can find everything from more laidback studios to luxury beachfront shalas offering everything from vinyasa to breathing techniques.
DAY TRIPS
CHICHEN-ITZA
Driving to the archeological site is easy and there is a parking lot at the entrance. Once here, you’ll notice that if you’d like a private guide to show you around, you will have two opportunities to obtain one – the first will be before the entrance to the parking lot, and the second will be once you’ve parked.
TULUM RUINS
In ancient times, Tulum was a trading hub, explaining the significance of the old structures found here. What makes the Tulum ruins so significant is that these structures are located on high cliffs overlooking the water, making for a visually stunning sight that other ruins can’t offer.
SIAN KA’AN BIOSPHERE RESERVE
One of the most awe-inspiring Tulum day trips is to Sian Ka’an. I would strongly recommend taking a guided tour through this reserve. Home to thousands of species of flora and fauna, Sian Ka’an was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and remains the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean.
